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Does your dog have an "On/ Off " Switch?

Updated: Jul 19, 2023


If so, is that switch on a different time setting to yours? You're ready to relax, your dog is ready to go, go, go! You totally have my sympathy if that is the case. Managing dogs who struggle with calmness is tough.


I am sure most can relate to the post tea Zoomies, holding onto your horses ( or gin and tonic...) when Fido - eyes wide - tongue hanging out, runs laps round the lounge! If this is the case, have you ever wondered why? Do some dogs simply find it easier to relax than others?


I was prompted to write this blog, after a lovely chat with a dog guardian recently. Their gorgeous teenage cockerpoo really knows how to chill, in fact so much so they really thought that Alfie must have been born with a "power saving" mode.

So much they thought that Alfie must have been born with a “power saving” mode.

Alfie is a really relaxed and content dog. Whilst genes probably played a part, I expect a few more things came together as well. Some dogs are naturally more laid back than others. Generally speaking though, dogs - especially adolescents - need a bit of a helping paw when it comes to learning how to be calm.


So how is it that some dogs are able to chill out so effortlessly. What's their secret sauce?


Let’s look at a few ingredients for creating a content dog..


Content dogs have great hobbies! – Their owners have figured out what their dogs love to do and work with it, not against it. Hobbies are activities that our dogs find deeply satisfying – some dogs love a bit of gun doggery, for some it’s scent work, or maybe a gloriously long hike together really floats their boat. Some love quiet walks where they simply potter and sniff.

We have six dogs now, all labradors, yet their hobbies vary. Benson adores his walks! His eyes simply light up at the prospect of a trip. He loves to meet up with his mates and reading "doggy social posts" On. Every. Blade. Of. Grass! Bramble however, is not that bothered - unless she sees me getting her working gear out, then she gets very excited, otherwise lounging around with her humans is her special thing. Do you know what your dog’s hobby is?


Rest – Are they getting enough? Sleep is important for our dogs physical health and emotional wellbeing. Good quality uninterrupted sleep helps our dogs process the day and supports learning and memory. It's a fact.

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The gorgeous Teasel waking from an afternoon snooze yesterday, a girl needs her beauty sleep right?


Resilience - Resilient dogs are able to deal with the ups and downs life throws at them. They can circumvent frustration, because from puppyhood they have been given opportunities to problem solve, and encouraged to safely explore novel environments. These dogs are in a sense inoculated against the negative effects of stress. Resilient dogs are also well rested dogs.

So can we help an older dog become more resilient?

Each dog is different, having a unique set of experiences that when coupled with genetics have moulded the dog in front of us. Less confident dogs are less resilient, and may struggle with novel situations, or take longer to recover from minor setbacks. Some dogs also seem naturally robust, think of guide dogs that can appear almost bombproof! But there are a few things we can do to help the less confident dog. First and foremost we need to address their basic needs of feeling secure and safe. Secondly finetuning our observations skills to really understand what our dogs are communicating and how they are feeling. Finally, reward positively and often. Sounds simple? - but doesn't it make you feel good when you get told you did something well and get rewarded for it?


Exercise - How much are they getting, and what does that look like? Now brace yourself for a sprinkling of controversy! A tired dog is not a good dog. Actually, a tired dog can be a royal p*** in the ***! Oh I have been there and got the T-shirt for sure. With labradors I was always told they needed sooo much exercise. Get them to chase a ball they said... make sure they are super socialised.. Oh boy, no wonder my dog was pinging off the walls later! Lots of strenuous exercise causes high levels of hormones such as cortisol to be released. This makes it tough for our dogs to wind down, and can have a detrimental impact on a dogs mental and physical well-being in the long-term.


Arousal… -Content dogs can deal with arousal. Their guardians have probably worked on this. Working with arousal helps our dogs develop their ability to relax more quickly in everyday life. Practice getting your dog’s arousal level up and then

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calming them down. Although my advice would be to take it slowly at first! Especially if you have a dog that can go from calm to aroused in a nano-second!


A gentle way that I use of working with arousal is to start winding down before the end of a walk. We might spend a few minutes sniffing, or playing the sausage tree game in a fallen tree trunk. The sausage tree game is one of their favourites. I hide small bits of frankfurter in a tree or long grass and let them sniff out the treats. We know that sniffing is a calming activity that dogs love. A calm, content dog is better at the end of a walk than one that has spent the entire time being revved up.

Otter on the bouncy side of arousal!

Summary..

Having a dog with a well developed on /off switch is probably a combination of nature and nurture. If we have a dog that struggles with switching off, for example after a game of fetch, or becomes super aroused when guests arrive, then there are things we can do. Just like baking, it is not one thing that produces a great cake, it is having the right combination of ingredients and technique.


If you would like help with your dogs "off switch", do feel free to reach out!


Kate Hart


 
 
 

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